Mikael Ymer returns with a bang: Wins first tournament after 18-month suspension

Former world No. 50 made a triumphant return to the ATP Tour by clinching the title at the ITF M25 Esch Alzette, an indoor hardcourt tournament in Luxembourg. While the Australian Open was underway, the Swede was competing in his first professional event since 2023.

On July 17, 2023, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced that Ymer would be suspended for 18 months after missing three out-of-competition doping tests within a 12-month period. The 26-year-old player maintained his innocence and appealed the decision, but the suspension was upheld.

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The CAS later revealed that Ymer claimed he missed one of the doping tests because he had overslept after staying up all night caring for his younger brother, Mikael, who was allegedly unwell. However, it was found that his brother was participating in a junior tennis tournament in Finland, which invalidated Ymer’s statement.

Following the suspension, the former world No. 50 abruptly announced his retirement at the age of 24. "I've decided to retire from professional tennis. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it's been! I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition,” he posted in August 2023.

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Born in Skövde, Ymer has been a leading figure in Swedish tennis in recent years, alongside his brother Elias Ymer. Mikael Ymer has recorded notable victories, including two wins against Carlos Alcaraz in 2021 and two against Jannik Sinner between 2019 and 2022. He also defeated Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon 2023, when the American was ranked world No. 9.

With the 25 points he earned on Monday, Ymer will re-enter the ATP rankings, debuting as the new world No. 822.

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